P.T. Usha Biography

 Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha, commonly known as P.T. Usha, is an Indian former track and field athlete who is widely regarded as one of India's greatest athletes. She was born on June 27, 1964, in the village of Payyoli in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, India.

P.T. Usha's interest in athletics began at a young age. She started her career as a sprinter and initially focused on the 100-meter and 200-meter events. However, she soon shifted her focus to the 400-meter hurdles, which became her specialty event.

In 1979, at the age of 15, Usha made her international debut at the Asian Track and Field Championships, where she won a bronze medal in the 100-meter sprint. Over the next decade, she represented India in numerous international competitions and achieved remarkable success.

One of P.T. Usha's most memorable performances came at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. She narrowly missed winning a medal, finishing fourth in the 400-meter hurdles by a mere 1/100th of a second. This close call earned her the nickname "Payyoli Express."

Usha's remarkable career includes a total of 101 international medals, including 33 gold medals. She won several prestigious competitions such as the Asian Games, Asian Championships, and Asian Track and Field Championships. Usha also held the record for the most gold medals won by an Indian athlete in a single international meet when she won five gold medals at the 1986 Asian Games.

Apart from her achievements on the track, Usha became an inspiration to many aspiring athletes in India. She defied the odds, coming from a small village with limited resources and training facilities. Her dedication, hard work, and perseverance earned her national and international recognition, making her a role model for Indian athletes.

After retiring from competitive athletics, Usha founded the Usha School of Athletics in 2002, located in Kozhikode, Kerala. The academy aims to train and nurture talented athletes from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

For her outstanding contributions to Indian athletics, P.T. Usha has received several accolades and honors, including the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan, which are among India's highest civilian awards.

P.T. Usha's legacy as an athlete and her commitment to nurturing young talent continue to inspire generations of athletes in India. She remains an iconic figure in Indian sports and a symbol of determination and excellence.